Finch can take limited overs leadership before World Cup

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 10: Aaron Finch of Australia runs onto the field through flames during game two of the International Twenty20 series between Australia and England at Melbourne Cricket Ground on February 10, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

With Australian cricket having a disastrous month following the ball-tampering incident of Cape Town, new leaders must stand up.

Melbourne Renegades captain and Victorian opener Aaron Finch is one that is open to the idea of leading the new look team in the absence of Steve Smith and David Warner.

With the World Cup just over 12 months away, Australia is without their two most damaging players in limited overs cricket, and without a captain.

If Finch is to get the position, either temporarily or permanently, it wont be named until the the full squad to tour the United Kingdom next month is announced.

Tasmianian wicket-keeper, Tim Paine was given the honour of becoming the 46th Australian Test Captain, however, with South Australian Alex Carey being on Cricket Australia’s list for limited overs cricket, it looks as though Finch, or possibly George Bailey, are the likely candidates for the shorter form of the game.

It is a decision that wont be taken lightly by Cricket Australia, given that whoever is to take over will be the man to lead Australia to defend their World Cup triumph of 2015.

The Australian’s will have an underdone lead up for the World Cup next year, with a series in the United Kingdom [five ODI’s], and two Twenty20 series beforehand, all without Smith and Warner.

Smith and Warner could return in a playing capacity by the World Cup, but will have to earn the respect of their team mates, their coaching staff, and more importantly, the Australian fans.

England will host the next World Cup along with Wales, and Finch believes the loss of both Smith and Warner will hold the team in good stead.

“It’s obviously really unfortunate what’s happened, but there’s going to be a couple of spots open up and I’ve got no doubt the guys who are next in line can come in and do a fantastic job.’ Finch told cricket.com.au.

However, defeating England on their own turf will be a daunting task, one that Finch is excited about.

“It will just give guys a real opportunity to measure their games against arguably the best, along with India, sides in the world.I don’t think that should be a daunting prospect, it should be something that’s really embraced.”